SEQUELAE OF CASTRATION 71 



iiated instniments or the hands of the operator, or it may be of post-oper- 

 ative origin as a result of wound infection from manure and dirt in the 

 barnj'ard or pasture. 



Peritonitis develops more frecpiently as a sequela of eryptorcliid castra- 

 tion than otherwise. It is one of, if not the most serious sequela of cas- 

 tration. 



Syin-ptoiiis — Peritonitis as a result of sepsis usually ensues two to five 

 days after operation. Its development is characterized by chilly sensations, 

 indisposition to move about, and in the event of moving there is a well 

 marked stiffness of gait, and soreness. Restlessness, pawing with the fore 

 feet, and striking at the abdomen witJi the hind feet. Abdomen and flanks 

 tucked up and decidedly rigid. Constipation is usually present, and colicky 

 pains may be shown. Tenderness on pressure to the abdominal wall, is 

 noted, particularly when this pressure is made in the Hank region. Ele- 

 vated temperature (102= to 105° F.), quick breathing, hard and wiry pulse 

 are also present. If death does not ensue in a short time, there is usually 

 an extensive effusion of fluid in the abdominal cavity. 



Treatment — Purgatives should never he administered. If necessary to 

 secure bowel movement it is Ijetter to resort to, and depend entirely upon 

 enemas. To allay the pain there is nothing better than one ounce fluid ex- 

 tract Indian Cannabis in capsules at intervals of four hours. A mustard 

 plaster applied to the abdominal wall is indicated in the majority of cases. 



Prognosis: — Unfavoralile. 



AZOTl'RIA 



This is a disease caused hy over-nutrition and lack of bodily exercise, the 

 development of which, as a sequela of castration, is extremely embarrassing, 

 to say the least. Azoturia never develops where daily exercise, either at 

 work or in pasture, is allowed. However, with animals that have been well 

 fed and kept confinecl in a stall, it is a condition which we may encounter 

 at any time when casting and confining such an animal. 



On account of the danger of azoturia it is well to know whether the ani- 

 mal has had sufficient exercise before you undertake to cast and tie it. 



Sytnptoins — After the operation is completed and the restraint appa- 

 ratus removed the animal may fail to rise to his feet altogether, or upon 

 rising may be stiff' in one or more legs — most fre(iuently the hind legs — 

 perspiring freely, evincing pain by pawing ; and restlessness. If urine is 

 voided, it has the characteristic "coffee color." Swelling and rigidity of 

 the muscles of the haunch (gluteus maximus) knuckling in the hind fet- 

 locks, etc., are diagnostic symptoms of this affection. 



Prevention — Daily exercise. 



Treatment — Catheterization. Stimulating liniments rubbed on the aft'ect- 

 ed muscles. Internally, fluid extract of belladonna one-half ounce, sweet 



